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Philosophy of Mind: The Concept of 'Mind'

Structural Overview

1

The Concept of 'Mind'

Defining mental states and their key features.
2

Phenomenal Properties (Qualia)

Subjective, qualitative aspects of experience.
3

Intentional Properties

The 'aboutness' or directedness of mental states.

Mental States

What is the Mind?

The concept of 'mind' is central to philosophy of mind, and understanding what we mean by 'mind' involves exploring features of mental states—those conditions or processes that are said to be part of our mental lives. These include thoughts, feelings, perceptions, beliefs, desires, and experiences. Addressing what the mind is requires considering both the properties of mental states and what makes them distinct from purely physical or biological states.

Key Features & Definitions

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Phenomenal Properties

The subjective, qualitative aspects of experience (the 'what it is like').
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Qualia

Intrinsic, non-intentional aspects of conscious experience.
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Intentionality

The property of mental states being about or directed towards something.

The 'What It Is Like' Aspect

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FEATURES OF MENTAL STATES: One key feature of at least some mental states is that they have phenomenal properties. For example, the experience of redness when seeing a ripe apple or the sensation of pain when touching a hot surface both involve phenomenal properties.

Defining Qualia

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Intrinsic PropertyQualia are intrinsic. Intrinsic means these properties belong inherently to the experience itself, not to external relations or other facts.
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Non-Intentional PropertyQualia are non-intentional. Non-intentional means qualia are not about or directed towards anything; they are simply aspects of experience.

Intentionality vs Qualia

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If I desire a cup of coffee, is that a phenomenal or intentional state?
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That is intentional! Desires, beliefs, hopes, and fears are intentional because they are about something.
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So Intentionality is contrasted with qualia?
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Exactly. Intentionality is contrasted with qualia because qualia are intrinsic and non-intentional, whereas intentionality always involves reference or directedness toward some object or content.

Examples of Qualia

Subjective Quality State Description
Taste of chocolate Specific sweetness and texture
Redness of a rose Specific hue and saturation
Feeling of pain Subjective sensation upon contact
These qualities distinguish mental states from purely physical phenomena.

Summary: What Defines Mind?

When philosophers ask ‘What do we mean by mind?’ they focus primarily on mental states that:

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Possess Phenomenal Properties

Meaning they have subjective, qualitative aspects.
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Possess Intentional Properties

Meaning they are directed towards or about something.
Mind Concept Deck
Term
'Mind'

What is the 'mind'?

Answer
Definition

The mind refers to mental states such as thoughts, feelings, perceptions, beliefs, desires, and experiences.

Term
Mental States

What are mental states?

Answer
Definition

Conditions or processes that are part of our mental lives, like beliefs, desires, and sensations.

Term
Phenomenal Properties

What are phenomenal properties?

Answer
Definition

Subjective, qualitative aspects of experience, like what it feels like to see red or feel pain.

Term
Qualia

What are qualia?

Answer
Definition

Intrinsic, non-intentional aspects of conscious experience, accessed through introspection, like the taste of chocolate.

Term
Intrinsic Meaning (Qualia)

What does intrinsic mean in relation to qualia?

Answer
Definition

Belonging inherently to the experience itself, not dependent on external factors.

Term
Non-intentional Meaning (Qualia)

What does non-intentional mean regarding qualia?

Answer
Definition

Qualia are not about or directed towards anything; they simply are aspects of experience.

Term
Examples of Qualia

What are examples of qualia?

Answer
Examples

The redness of a red rose, the taste of chocolate, the feeling of pain.

Term
Intentional Properties

What are intentional properties?

Answer
Definition

The property of mental states being about or directed towards something.

Term
Examples of Intentional Mental States

Give examples of intentional mental states.

Answer
Examples

Beliefs, desires, hopes, fears, and thoughts that represent objects or concepts.

Term
Differences: Intentionality vs Qualia

How do intentionality and qualia differ?

Answer
Difference

Intentionality involves reference to something external, while qualia are intrinsic and non-intentional.

Term
Mental vs Physical States

Why are mental states distinct from physical states?

Answer
Reason

Because they possess phenomenal (qualia) and intentional properties, unlike purely physical or biological states.

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🧠 Mind Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes qualia?

Qualia refer to the subjective, intrinsic feel of experiences, like the taste or redness, not about external objects.

2. What does intentionality refer to in mental states?

Intentionality means mental states have content and are “about” something, such as beliefs or desires.

3. Which of these is NOT an example of a mental state?

Muscle contraction is a physical/biological state, not a mental state.

4. How do qualia differ from intentional states?

Qualia are purely experiential with no aboutness, whereas intentional states are always about something.

5. What is a key reason mental states are distinct from physical states?

Mental states’ phenomenal qualities and intentionality set them apart from purely physical states.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • PHILOSOPHY
  • A Level
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • AQA